Godly Love

Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 13

Introduction

When Jesus gave his disciples the commandment to love each other, He noted the important reason: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). God’s love is above all loves, and only as our hearts are filled with his love can it overflow to those around us. Many souls are starving to be loved, and it is up to the children of God to impart his love to them. May we humbly show God’s love to a lost and hurting world.

Key Verse

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians emphasizes the futility and emptiness of a life devoid of Christian love. God may have endowed me with outstanding natural abilities, but without his love occupying first place in the heart, those talents will be used for personal honor rather than for the benefit of others. Life will have a hollow ring, and souls who are hungry for love will be disappointed.

An orator can attract large crowds and keep an audience spellbound; people may come from miles around to hear him speak, but what is the motive? Is it to promote self or Christ? Will listeners sense when his heart is filled with God’s love? True love condescends to men of low estate. The Bible says of Jesus, “And the common people heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37). If God’s love is alive in our hearts, this will be our aim also.

Being knowledgeable about many things and living above reproach does not guarantee the effort is motivated by a godly love for my fellowmen. God’s love will ask, “Are you seeking the approval of men?” I may work myself ragged helping in some humanitarian outreach, but if the driving force is not God’s love, those being ministered to will likely not feel a genuine sense of care. By humbly allowing God’s love to warm our hearts, others will surely be drawn to the Lord.

Every attribute of godly love points to unselfishness.

Practical Truths for Today

Our human nature desires to do great things in order to be recognized as a good person. We see plaques in public buildings, such as hospitals, listing benefactors who have contributed to its establishment. The contributions are often immense, numbers we can hardly fathom, yet all this is scarcely a comfort to one who is sick and lonely. What that person wants and needs is someone to sit by them and show that they love and care.

Without charity, it will be difficult to remain at peace with one another. When we realize our love is being tested, humbly admitting first to ourselves, and then perhaps to others, the need for a change of attitude brings healing. Love is like lubricating oil that causes strained relationships to be healed, and peace can be restored in a measure unknown heretofore.

Charity bears all things. What comes to mind when reading this? Does it mean we do not retaliate when rebuffed or slighted or that misfortunes do not discourage us? The apostle Paul encourages us to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). Can a struggling soul come to you in confidence and unload their burdens, finding a shoulder to cry on, a warm heart that hears them out and feels for them? “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Prov. 11:13). With God’s love in our hearts, we can lift a hurting soul to the throne of grace rather than making merchandise of a matter.

When Christ “ascended up on high, he . . . gave gifts unto men” (Eph. 4:8). These gifts were never meant to be used selfishly. Brotherly love produces the realization that another’s gift is just as necessary and useful as my own. Seeing the advantage of working together becomes apparent and thus fulfills God’s holy will. Selfishness and envy cause division, and God’s work will be hindered.

“Peter said that Jesus left us an example ‘that ye should follow his steps’ (1 Pet. 2:21). His example shows what pure love will do. Godly love is synonymous with humility. When love fills our hearts, selfishness changes to service. Resentment, defensiveness, and offense are replaced by forgiveness and acceptance of others’ weaknesses. Instead of being critical of the erring, those who are filled with a shepherd’s love will long for their improvement.” 1

“‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’ Those whose spirit is meek, merciful, humble, and lowly will, with God’s help, be peacemakers. They are the ones who are not willing to just coexist with others, but godly love is their motivating force. The Spirit of God living in our hearts will give us the power to overcome hurts and find peace. At all times, we will be at peace with God and our fellowman as much as we are able (Rom. 12:18).” 2

“God has a wonderful way of blessing those who unselfishly and gladly share in whatever way they can with others that are less fortunate. Of course, He understands our real motives long before we do something in His name. If God can direct all our giving, so that it is the result of a keen conscience, and out of godly love, there will doubtless be rich rewards. Jesus also admonishes us to love, and to give, not hoping to receive again.” 3

The apostle Peter instructs us to make a diligent effort to add brotherly kindness to godliness and charity to brotherly kindness (2 Pet. 1:5, 7). If we consider Luther’s German translation, which says to add brotherly love to universal love, we can better understand it.

“Love remains as an eternal sign by which all men shall know who are the true disciples of Jesus. The Bible speaks also of charity towards all men. 2 Peter 1:7. Paul teaches that we shall do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Gal. 6:10. There is a difference in brotherly love and universal love, for in brotherly love it flows from heart to heart through this godly gift which God gives; but in the universal love the fellowship of the Spirit is lacking. God’s children desire the salvation of all people in general and prove this in word, work, and deed.” 4

Young converts are frequently asked, “Can you love everybody?” Their quick, affirmative response might cause us to wonder how much thought they put into an answer, but it thrills our hearts to hear a voice from the benches, be it a schoolteacher, parent, or other relative, testifying to a definite change. A conversion experience sets our course in the right direction but is only the beginning of our Christian walk. Life goes on, and our love will be tested. In a healthy family setting, there is a proper, natural love among its members, but charity transcends and enhances natural love.

“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins” (Prov. 10:12). This does not mean turning a blind eye to obvious faults in our spiritual brothers and sisters, but let us not pass judgment on a single misstep that we think we observe. When we start harboring critical thoughts toward someone, it is impressive how quickly the Holy Spirit can remind us of our own failings in exactly that area.

If we walk in God’s love, someday we will lay aside this earthly body and experience heavenly love forever. “Faith will vanish into sight; Hope be emptied in delight; Love in heav’n will shine more bright; Therefore give us love”! 5

Questions

1. How can we know if we are giving time or money with a pure motive?
2. How do I know when I’ve done my part to make peace? See Romans 12:18.
3. Relate an experience of a special infilling of love.
4. Do I need to prove my motive before offering to serve in the mission, as a Sunday school teacher, in a unit, or in like capacity?
5. 1 Editorial, Messenger of Truth, 2017, No. 15
6. 2 Raymond Litwiller, Messenger of Truth, 2015, No. 19
7. 3 Alva Froese, Messenger of Truth, 1963, No. 3
8. 4 Mirror of Truth, p. 257
9. 5 Christopher Wordsworth, “Therefore Give Us Love,” Christian Hymnal

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).